How to Clean a Non-Silk Sari

A sari is a comfortable and elegent dress.

A sari is a type of Indian-style dress that requires delicate washing and drying. The sari is usually two pieces: a short-sleeve midriff shirt and a 6-meter-long fabric that wraps around like a skirt and continues as a shawl that drapes from shoulder to waist (a meter is 39 inches, or a little more than a yard). It is distinct from other styles of dress because the sari is a rectangular cloth that is not stitched. Saris come in varying colors, designs and fabric. A silk sari is the one most worn to elegant events, such as weddings. Cotton, linen and synthetic saris are worn to more casual events or around the house.

Things You'll Need

• A bucket or sink
• laundry detergent

Instructions

1. Agitate the sari through hand washing with regular laundry detergent in a bucket or sink filled with water.

2. Take the sari out of the water and squeeze out the water without wringing the sari.

3. Throw out the water you used to wash the sari and refill the bucket or sink with new water.

4. Rinse the sari in the clean water and gently squeeze out the water again.

5. Place the sari in a dryer's gentle spin cycle for five minutes. This is to take out the excess water before hanging the sari to dry.

6. Fold the sari in half and hang the sari to dry on a line. If you want to iron the sari, do so when it is still slightly damp.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash only one sari at a time the first few times to prevent color bleeding.

References

• Sari Care: How to Clean Your Sari
• Indian Selections: What Is a Sari?